AWmusic

Earlier Landon Pigg was mentioned in a music commercial post. If “Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop,” was played a general consensus would state that the song is from a ring commercial on television, even though Pigg has released other singles from his second album LP. Many of the artists featured on television are known by their one song, and not for their real musical talents. Luckily, I’m here to clear that up.

Landon Pigg’s new album, Boy Who Never, is a warm and calming ride, fit for the cloudiest or brightest days. The album begins with “The Far,” a more up beat tempo song of a simple love story of a couple making it to where they are. However, it’s not the beats that compose the song, but Pigg’s voice carries the listener through the story, while maintaining a perfect level of emotion. The second song, and second single, however, has an instrumental beat that creates the song. A jazz-like melody in the beginning characterizes the song with a saxophone, a piano, and a consistent cymbal rhythm. This lovely instrumental moves the song along, accompanied well with Landon’s voice. The next song, “Blue Skies,” is my highlight of the album, about a love story gone wrong this time, turning blue skies to gray. Towards the end of the song, a familiar piano sequence appears, reminding me of the classic “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship.

“Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” then passes, a classic love song that should not be passed up. “Take a Chance” is slightly catchy, then “The Boy Who Never” slows back down with a soft drum beat accompanied by a calm violin. Although peaceful, the song that labels the album is not greatly captivating, and feels incomplete. “Made for Glory” sings about a savior, and “Speak to the Keys” provides a little more pop to the album than heard up until that point. “Rooftops” is a gentle song, with an instrumental vibe close to Keane’s. Lastly, the album closes up with another slow song complete with a piano and Pigg’s continuously soothing voice.
In all, the album contains a smooth vibe that warms the soul with different emotions of love. However, each song individually does not hold enough creativity in itself to make specific songs pop out. That said, the album still does create an aura of peaceful happiness and love fit to purify the heart with its sound.

Landon Pigg – A Ghost
Landon Pigg – Blue Skies
Landon Pigg – This Far

On the list of musical artists able to change people’s lives, John Mayer is number one. From Room for Squares to Where the Light Is, John Mayer has stolen my entire soul. Lyrically, he is smart, and philosophical. Skill wise, he is beast mode at guitar. Musically, he can make your bad days awesome and your awesome days awesomer. Before the release of his new album, Battle Studies, John Mayer has released his new single, “Who Says.”

Automatically, I hear a hint of “Stop This Train” in the background. And surprisingly, the song begins with a declaration of his right to get stoned. Not a subject choice I would have expected, or feel necessary. Although some of his audience may indeed get stoned, other less controversial and more relatable topics can be used to declare his ability to do whatever he pleases. Redemption, however, is slightly gained with Mayer’s explanations of the locations of his long nights and the people he meets. It’s quite the touching verse actually. However, the background beat remains repetitive, and the lyrics too persistent.

“Who Says” is a song I’m glad can be a single, so I won’t over-anticipate the soon-to-be-released Battle Studies. Hopefully it’s not my already intense bias for John Mayer’s music that makes me deny that this song is an accurate representation of the album to come.

John Mayer – Who Says
John Mayer – Stop This Train
John Mayer – 3 x 5

Note from the editor Allan Cheng: I’m not a big John Mayer fan. In fact I do want take his guitar and smash it over his head. But I digress, he does have a decent voice that I find boring but he does seem appealing to the opposite sex. John Mayer clearly doesn’t care what I think.

Do NOT watch videos of Julian Casablancas on Conan O’Brien. “11th Dimension” came out a month or two ago, but after watching the live performance, I realized the need to share is much greater than previously thought. On Conan, Julian Casablancas’ performance was either, not up to par, or not what I expected. However, I didn’t feel like my expectations were too high for the front man of The Strokes. Bottom line, just listen to the song.

Now going solo, Julian Casablancas
delivers his first single wonderfully for our ears. Although his visit to Conan was not in the least bit interesting, the play count of the song on my iTunes would beg to differ. Such a snappy synthetic sound the song begins with, continuing with Casablancas’ voice relaying us information about his life on the frozen surface of a fireball. I couldn’t tell you what this song means, except that is has meaning. Lines about faith and forgiveness tell the listener exactly how to live their life, with such persuasion and passion. Only such a voice could convince you to “forgive them, even if they are not sorry.” He teaches even about faith, and fear, in the most impressive yet uplifting voice. Lyrically the song may sound like a description of a ballad maybe, but “11th Dimension” in fact is quite the danceable song if anything. Such a strong and catchy background instrumental maintains the attention caught, while Casablancas’ voice and lyrics creates the deeper meaning to the song.
The full album, “Phrazes for the Young,” is due to be released on the second of November.

Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension
The Strokes – Reptilia

My television viewing has greatly increased recently. It’s a pure addiction.. Gossip Girl, The Office, The Hills (only with Kristin Cavalari), and 90210. Shows like Gossip Girl even have the most up to date indie music. Last episode even skillfully used Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zero’s “Home.” However, the ridiculous subject matter of the show does not make the music as interesting to analyze as the ones in commercials. Those 30 seconds you’re already annoyed because your favorite show is on a commercial makes the commercial song crucial in order to captivate your attention. The best commercials are the ones that make you want to just see them again. So here’s to some of the best songs on maybe not the best commercials.

6. Tally Hall – The Whole World and You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCajbOKxHEY
Song- almost as cool as 3D chalk. I bought this as a birthday gift for a friend after seeing this commercial. And jumped for joy when I heard Tally Hall. I wasn’t sure such an unknown song played on such a commercial. Makes more people just than kids appreciate Crayola.

5. The Killers – All These Things That I’ve Done
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ae3tFI8wXE
Classic. It’s motivational, to an extent. The only issue I really have is that I don’t think “I got soul, but I’m not a solider” should be repeated that many times. Best lyric of the song? “While everything’s lost, the battle is won… With all these things that I’ve done..”

4. Landon Pigg – Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7HG-6rw1o4&feature=related
Fits the moment to perfection. Melts your heart. ‘Nuff said, yo.

3. Phoenix – 1901
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQwdfhwYdS0
I don’t care if this is the most overplayed Phoenix song ever. Used on shows, commercials, whatever. Makes you feel good and it keeps you interested. Maybe “Lisztomania” isn’t a bad song to consider for television either though..

2. Matt & Kim – Daylight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0rx1srLsh0
Feels like, you’re there. I realized after the awesome use of this song in this commercial, every time I hear it, it kind of makes me wanna socialize.

1. Chairlift – Bruises
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdep-3ANSgI&feature=related
So, I know it’s cheating, but who ever does these damn iPod commercials, knows their good music. Good advertising music in the least. Using the Fratellis in the very first iTunes commercial was pure genius. That captured every single person’s attention and brought out every urge to dance.

1. Meet Me On the Equinox, Death Cab for Cutie
2. Friends, Band of Skulls
3. Hearing Damage, Thom Yorke
4. Possibility, Lykke Li
5. A White Demon Love Song, The Killers
6. Satellite Heart, Anya Marina
7. I Belong to You (New Moon Remix), Muse
8. Roslyn, Bon Iver & St. Vincent
9. Done All Wrong, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
10. Monsters, Hurricane Bells
11. The Violet Hour, Sea Wolf
12. Shooting the Moon, OK Go
13. Slow Life (featuring Victoria Legrand), Grizzly Bear
14. No Sound but the Wind, Editors
15. New Moon (The Meadow), Alexandre Desplat

All the anticipated tracks from popular artists I felt were hyped up beforehand and then overshadowed by many other tracks on the album. That’s not to say that I disliked any of the tracks, because that is not the case. Each track maintains its own pleasantness.

I don’t know how I feel about the first track and single, “Meet Me On the Equinox,” by Death Cab. The instrumentals feel like Death Cab, and the lyrics aren’t below my par, but I’m not sure it was the best single to choose on the soundtrack. Although it sets the precedent for the rest of the album, not all songs following are of the same vibe. The Band of Skull songs says a little more rock, a little less indie. The Muse remix says a little more fast pace and a little less ballad. The Sea Wolf song’s guitar sounds say a little more British rock. Each slow song however, from the Lykke Li, Anya Marina song, feel gentle, giving love with captivation. It’s hard not to be calmed and peaceful. Then comes the last leg of the album, highlighted by such a wonderful and well paced OK Go song, and “Slow Life” from the recent sensation Grizzly Bear. Ending with a piano instrumental, the album sounds perfectly finished and a guarantee that the movie will be just as enthralling.

Don’t have a good grasp of such an awesome concept yet? Think, Atonement, Garden State, plus Spiderman 3 original soundtracks. The classical styling of Atonement, the perfection of Garden State, and the Spiderman 3 tracks such as The Killers’ “Move Away” and “The Supreme Being Teaches Spiderman How to be in Love” by the Flaming Lips.

Muse – I Belong to You (New Moon Remix)
Anya Marina – Satellite Heart
OK Go – Shooting the Moon

3 Things I expect from pop-rock-synth including songs:
1. Extreme catchiness to the extent of ridiculousness
2. The overwhelming inability to sit still
3. A play count of 5 consecutive plays within the first time hearing it

3 Things I expect from Metro Station:
1. Heart stealing lyrics
2. Oddly being able to indentify with its songs
3. The increase of the quality of my day after listening to a song

Metro Station’s Kelsey EP: 0/6
I think it’s just a lyrical issue that’s throwing me off. “My little Japanese girl, my Tokyo baby?” Is it just me? Maybe I expect to be captivated too fast by Metro Station. Their self titled album was the story of my life upon its release. Now that I’m hearing the Kelsey EP I begin to question what they’ve been doing since then. Sure, the acoustic and remix of “Kelsey” are worth a listen, but so were the other remixes of “Seventeen Forever” and “Shake It” I found before then. The two other released songs, Time To Play, and Japanese Girl, were not up to my par either. Japanese Girl had no identification with me, and Time To Play had no distinguishing beat. Someone change my mind. Maybe it’s an off day for me. I’ll end with what’s good.

3 Top Metro Station Lyrics:
1. “We’re one mistake from being together, but let’s not ask why it’s not right- you won’t be seventeen forever…” (Seventeen Forever)
2. “And it goes like this: giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirl, tell me what to do…” (Tell Me What To Do)
3. “If you let go, I’ll let go tonight.” (Control)

Metro Station – Japanese Girl
Metro Station – Kelsey (Acoustic)
Metro Station – Shake It (Mike Doer Remix)

I’m pretty absolutely ready for autumn. Summer in Texas is everything you expect. Unbearable, icky, etc. Like everything else, it’s fun at first, but gets old and you want new weather. Now it’s October, and a change in everything is coming, in my life and in the seasons, and I’m ready. Here’s the music to the last of anything summer.

The Drums is the perfectly fleeting glance at summer. Imagine… Beach Boys, and the Cure. The same amount of catchiness, perfect for beach days, sunny or cloudy. A released single on their EP Summertime! is the well known “Let’s Go Surfing.” The song hit a top ten list on SPIN magazine, and definitely a top ten summer song on my list. When the whistling automatically starts, you know this is a song you’re just going to be inclined to like. Maybe that, or I’m a sucker for whistles. I mean, it works doesn’t it? Peter Bjorn and John, the Fratellis, and 3OH!3 (sadly to admit) use the technique skillfully and captivatingly. It just works. The song just works. A hint of the Beach Boys and the repetition of “let’s go surfing” never sounded so good. The band even provides four remixes of the song available for free downloading.

Another Drums song that introduces the band very nicely, is the oh so pleasant “I Felt Stupid.” It’s not so much even the Cure vibe you feel in this song, but the quirky lyrics sung in just the perfect way. The tambourine is shaking and the words are repeated, and then your heart is stolen. Do yourself a favor, before fall really hits—give a last listen to something that’s the epitome of the perfect summer.

The Drums – I Felt Stupid
The Drums – Let’s Go Surfing
The Drums – Let’s Go Surfing (The Clean Shaven Grins Out There Remix)

Quite the clever lyric, I will say. Upon discovering Ezra Furman & the Harpoons, I heard this song, and was oddly intrigued. She tells him to take off his sunglasses, but that’s just the most unreasonable request ever, so he tells her to take off her shoelaces. Interesting concept, with just as an interesting song. The harmonica in the background is not entirely different than the sounds of Augustana, so obviously that is not what distinguishes the band. It’s the conversational, fast pace, yet melodic voice of Ezra Furman. The band is from New York and have been around for a few years. Unfortunately this is my first time to expose the band in all those years. They did, however, play in Lollapalooza this year. Other songs on the band’s myspace are filled with just as much intrigue, especially with the sounds of indie rock and a touch of folk rock; my favorite combination. Each song feels fun to hear, and catchy to the last bit. Even posted on the site is a video of Furman singing a song to Kirsten Dunst. Not creepy he says, but he holds a good tune with witty lyrics. You can even hear his speaking voice at the beginning of the video, a voice like I have never heard, but equally captivating as say, the voice of Conor Oberst.

Ezra Furman & the Harpoons – Take Off Your Sunglasses
Erza Furman & the Harpoons – We should Fight

Oddly enough, when I listen to new albums from familiar artists, I become scared out of my mind. I always get the feeling the release won’t be up to par with releases before, and I’ll want to un-listen to what I just heard. For Kid Cudi, from mixtape to mixtape, I was afraid Man On The Moon: The End of Day would not have the same pure original sound as every leaked track and every mixtape song released before. This however, was not the case. Cover to cover, I intently listened to Kid Cudi’s voice relay his smooth rhythms and beat variations. My favorite part of Kid Cudi is his originality plus his frequent references to other lyrics or other people, as shown one of the first songs, “Soundtrack 2 My Life.” The album, does in fact, convey this theme, of HIS type of music to describe his life, his passions, but in a way WE can listen.

For the sake of length, I won’t describe to you every track, but the ones that hit my attention. Getting to “Heart Of A Lion,” his background story is evident once again, but the background beats are just as evident in its catchiness and its perfect fit with Kid Cudi’s vocals. I wouldn’t be surprised if “Enter Galactic” sounded just as awesome performed by Lupe Fiasco, because it definitely has some vibes from his more chill songs. When “CuDi Zone” comes around, the addition of a violin and a quick and more intense beat is captivating and rhythmic with Cudi’s voice. The next two famous songs, “Make Her Say” and “Pursuit Of Happiness” master the art of featuring just as esteemed artists, Common and Lady Gaga in the first, and MGMT and Ratatat in the second. However, I expected a more catchy tune to “Pursuit Of Happiness,” but what we have is nothing to be frowned upon. Upon the last song, “Up Up And Away,” I felt the CD come to and end, with a great satisfaction. The strong finish to end a collection of such great songs. With great pleasure however I continued along the Kid Cudi section of my iTunes with the ’09 Mix, featuring the one song I think Cudi missed when finishing his album: “Dat New New (VIKING Remix).” It’s catchy like you would not believe, remixed to perfection. In fact, I’ve never even heard the original, and I’m not planning on it.

Maybe not THE best album of this year, but my judgment could be biased from my indie rock roots. However, as for breakout artist of the year, maybe hands down I’d let Cudi take the prize. Even though his lyrics to do not possess the outright commentary such as Asher Roth’s “I danced my ass off and had this one girl completely naked,” or his personality unequilvalent to Kayne West’s conceited son of a gun nature, I think Cudi is a work of art of this time, no doubt.

Kid Cudi – Soundtrack 2 My Life
Kid Cudi – Cudi Zone
Kid Cudi – Dat New New (VIKING Remix)

Listening to their very own single “Higher Than The Stars” first, my foot tapped instantly while Kip Berman’s voice flowed smoothly. The mellow, perfectly toned voice that carries the band is still evident, while not distracting from the authentic sounds in the background with the hint of a small pop beat to carry the retro indie sounds. It’s one of those songs, if used at the perfect time, can create the best part in an entire movie. It’s a wonderful power I love to be seen used, comparable to the use of “Just Like Heaven” in the movie Adventureland. The remix of this song is just as pleasant, except with a more contemporary feeling that does quite show the band’s personality, but it’s worth the listen.

The last three songs, “103,” “Twins,” and “Falling Over” are worthy of the same discussion as “Higher Than The Stars.” We hear the same vibe, same tone, but I can’t help feeling like it’s something different each time, but it’s not anything I can explain. In all, the EP is definitely worth the pick up, to listen to on any type of occasion. Today- it’s on a rainy day. I like rainy days.

Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Higher Than The Stars
Pains of Being Pure at Heart – 103